Olivia Russell

Olivia was introduced to Curling at the age of nine after shifting from Mossburn in Southland to the Maniototo in Central Otago. Blending with a passionate curling family ensured curling became part of Olivia's culture and a sport she loved. In Year 7, the local school was short of players for their Secondary School tournament, so Olivia filled in and has played ever since.  

After Olivia's step-brother went to Lausanne in 2020, her goal was selection as part of the 2024 New Zealand Youth Olympic Curling Team.  Over the years, Olivia has been part of teams that have won different Secondary School Championships and medalled at Junior and National Championships.  Highlights from this season have included winning the Junior Mixed Doubles Championships with curling partner, Jed Nevill, along with being selected in the 2023 New Zealand Junior Women's Curling Team to compete in Finland, and selection for the NZ Youth Development Curling Team with fellow teammates to attend a Youth Curling Camp in Norway.

Being a country girl at heart, Olivia enjoys spending time outdoors, riding her horse, and going fishing; she doesn’t mind getting stuck in on the farm and also loves to cook.

Olivia feels privileged to be representing NZ at Gangwon 2024, in both the Mixed Team and the Mixed Doubles Curling events.